Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Preparing Lamellae from Vitreous Biological Samples Using a Dual-Beam Scanning Electron Microscope for Cryo-Electron Tomography
07:00

Preparing Lamellae from Vitreous Biological Samples Using a Dual-Beam Scanning Electron Microscope for Cryo-Electron Tomography

Published on: August 5, 2021

Scanning electron microscopy of molluscum contagiosum

Hiram Larangeira de Almeida1, Martha Oliveira Abuchaim, Maiko Abel Schneide

  • 1Federal University of Pelotas(UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil. hiramalmeidajr@hotmail.com

Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia
|March 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Molluscum contagiosum, a poxvirus skin infection, presents unique ultrastructural features. Scanning electron microscopy revealed an oval lesion with a central umbilication and a keratinized tunnel containing viral particles.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Virology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection caused by a poxvirus.
  • It primarily affects children up to 5 years old, with a secondary peak in young adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the ultrastructure of molluscum contagiosum lesions.
  • To utilize scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for detailed morphological analysis.

Main Methods:

  • Three molluscum contagiosum lesions were surgically removed (curetted) without disruption.
  • Samples were sectioned transversely and prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

  • SEM identified the characteristic oval shape of molluscum contagiosum lesions.
  • A central umbilication and an underlying keratinized tunnel were observed.
  • Epidermal proliferation and mosaic-like cell arrangements were noted, with 0.4-micron rounded structures at the tunnel's end and on the lesion surface.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides detailed ultrastructural insights into molluscum contagiosum morphology.
  • SEM is effective in visualizing the characteristic features of the lesions, including viral particle locations.

More Related Videos

Visualizing Membrane Ruffle Formation using Scanning Electron Microscopy08:05

Visualizing Membrane Ruffle Formation using Scanning Electron Microscopy

Published on: May 27, 2021

Sample Preparation Method of Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscope for the Appendages of Woodboring Beetle10:09

Sample Preparation Method of Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscope for the Appendages of Woodboring Beetle

Published on: February 3, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Scanning Electron Microscopy01:07

Scanning Electron Microscopy

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to study the surface features of a sample by using an electron beam that scans the sample surface in a two-dimensional manner. Typically, areas between ~1 centimeter to 5 micrometers in width can be imaged. SEM can be used to image bacteria, viruses, tissues as well as larger samples like insects. Conventional SEM gives a magnification ranging from 20X to 30,000X and spatial resolution of 50 to 100 nanometers.
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
Overview of Microscopy Techniques01:22

Overview of Microscopy Techniques

The early pioneers of microscopy opened a window into the invisible world of microorganisms. In 1830, Joseph Jackson Lister created an essentially modern light microscope. The 20th century saw the development of microscopes that leveraged nonvisible light, such as fluorescence microscopy that uses an ultraviolet light source and electron microscopy that uses short-wavelength electron beams. These advances significantly improved magnification, image resolution, and contrast. By comparison, the...
Immunogold Electron Microscopy01:20

Immunogold Electron Microscopy

Immunoelectron microscopy utilizes immunogold labeling of endogenous proteins with specific antibodies to detect and localize these proteins in cells and tissues. The procedure provides insights into the distribution and quantification of protein under different stimulation conditions offering clues about their functions. Conjugating highly electron-dense gold particles with primary or secondary antibodies allow antigen detection on and within cells, with high resolution and specificity.
Overview of Electron Microscopy01:25

Overview of Electron Microscopy

The wavelengths of visible light ultimately limit the maximum theoretical resolution of images created by light microscopes. Most light microscopes can only magnify 1000X, and a few can magnify up to 1500X. Electrons, like electromagnetic radiation, can behave like waves, but with wavelengths of 0.005 nm, they produce significantly greater resolution up to 0.05 nm as compared to 500 nm for visible light. An electron microscope (EM) can create a sharp image that is magnified up to 2,000,000X.